2016 Jeep® Cherokee Trailhawk First Gasoline-powered American-made, American-brand Passenger Vehicle to Qualify for Japan Eco-Car Tax Incentive

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Apr 14, 2016, 08:15 ET

AUBURN HILLS, Mich., April 14, 2016 /PRNewswire/ --

Jeep Cherokee Trailhawk makes history in Japan

Jeep® Cherokee Trailhawk equipped with 3.2-liter Pentastar V-6 meets fuel-efficiency and emissions guidelines for Japan's Eco-Car tax incentive
First American-made, American-brand gasoline-powered vehicle to deliver such performance
Part of the award-winning Pentastar engine family, 3.2-liter V-6 features fuel-saving Engine Stop-Start (ESS) technology
Segment-exclusive TorqueFlite nine-speed automatic transmission is standard equipment
Industry-first rear-axle disconnect technology automatically and seamlessly matches driveline mode with driving conditions
Jeep Cherokee Trailhawk most capable SUV in its class with standard-equipment Jeep Active Lock 4x4 system

Add another milestone to the Jeep brand's storied history: the 2016 Cherokee Trailhawk is the first gasoline-powered, American-made, American-brand passenger vehicle to qualify for Japan's Eco-Car tax incentive.

When equipped with the 3.2-liter Pentastar V-6, the Cherokee Trailhawk – also the most capable SUV in its class – meets the fuel-efficiency and emissions-level requirements tied to the ¥58,000 consumer tax break.

"At Jeep, we don't sacrifice operating efficiency for capability," says Mike Manley, Head of Jeep Brand and Global Lead Executive for International Operations – FCA. "This achievement vindicates our efforts to deliver products that resonate in a highly complex industry climate."

The Pentastar-powered Cherokee Trailhawk achieves a 10.3-km/L fuel-efficiency rating in Japan. The vehicle also earns a 4-Star emissions rating, which is the other requirement to qualify for Japan's Eco-Car tax incentive.

The 3.2-liter Pentastar in the Cherokee Trailhawk boasts two mini-oxidation, three-way catalytic converters and four heated oxygen sensors to help reduce emissions.

The 3.2-liter Pentastar shares design features with the 3.6-liter Pentastar, named three times to the prestigious list of Ward's 10 Best Engines. The smaller-displacement V-6, which is rated at 200kW (272 hp) and generates 315 Nm (239 lb.-ft.) of torque, also benefits from Engine Stop-Start (ESS) technology.

A standard feature on the 3.2-liter Pentastar, ESS increases fuel economy by shutting the engine off whenever the vehicle comes to a complete stop. Meanwhile, the vehicle's radio, gauges, heating/air-conditioning system and other equipment, remain operational.

The engine restarts automatically when the driver her/his foot from the vehicle's brake pedal.

Further boosting the Cherokee Trailhawk's efficiency are its segment-exclusive TorqueFlite nine-speed automatic transmission and its industry-first driveline system that automatically and seamlessly matches performance settings with driving conditions.

With its wide ratio spread, the TorqueFlite gearbox is designed to ensure the Pentastar V-6 operates at optimal levels at all times. Four overdrive ratios benefit highway driving while also reducing overall noise, vibration and harshness.

The Cherokee Trailhawk's 4x4 system, dubbed Jeep Active Drive Lock, features a
power transfer unit (PTU) and rear-drive module (RDM) that automatically engage and then disengage, depending on driving conditions. This dramatically reduces spin losses and saves fuel.

The combined attributes of the 3.2-liter Pentastar, TorqueFlite transmission and Jeep Active Drive Lock 4x4 system not only deliver efficiency, they make the Jeep Cherokee Trailhawk the most capable SUV in its class. Its two-speed PTU produces a 47.8:1 crawl ratio.

The ruggedly stylish SUV arrives at Japan dealerships in May.

The Jeep Cherokee was also listed among the 10 best cars in the 2014-2015 Japan Car of the Year of Award – the first American vehicle to be so honored.

The Jeep brand marks its 75th anniversary this year. The entire Jeep Cherokee lineup is produced at the Toledo Assembly Complex in Toledo, OH.

About Jeep Brand
Built on 75 years of legendary heritage, Jeep is the authentic SUV with class-leading capability, craftsmanship and versatility for people who seek extraordinary journeys. The Jeep brand delivers an open invitation to live life to the fullest by offering a full line of vehicles that continue to provide owners with a sense of security to handle any journey with confidence.

The Jeep vehicle lineup consists of the Cherokee, Compass, Grand Cherokee, Patriot, Renegade, Wrangler and Wrangler Unlimited. To meet consumer demand around the world, all Jeep models sold outside North America are available in both left and right-hand drive configurations and with gasoline and diesel powertrain options.

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